There have been numerous actions taken aimed at strengthening the care and services provided every day to those living in and visiting North Vancouver Island. This includes completed activities outlined in the January 27, 2023, provincial announcement.
October 2024 – The second cohort of the Rural Emergency Department Education Program (REDEP) began with three nurses participating.
September 2024 –Three new return of service (RoS) physicians arrived in Port McNeill providing additional capacity to the local emergency department and primary care clinic.
August 2024 – The Rural Emergency Department Education Program (REDEP) graduated it first cohort of two nurses. These two nurses are now trained to provide care in the local emergency departments.
July 2024 – The Island Health Board and members of the executive team were in North Vancouver Island from July 4-5, touring the various sites and conducting a public forum where revised renderings of the Port McNeill and Port Hardy Hospital modernizations were shared.
May 2024 – Chief of Staff role for the Port McNeill and Port Hardy Hospitals was filled. The role supports and provides leadership to the medical staff at both sites.
March and April 2024 – Mobile CT scanner was back on site and 57 scans were performed from March 11 - April 12.
March 2024 – Welcomed two new physicians to Port Hardy.
February 2024 – The first cohort (two nurses) began the Rural Emergency Department Education Program (REDEP) to acquire the specialty training and skills to work in the local Emergency Departments. This training is provided locally which allows the staff to stay in community for the program duration.
January 2024 – 100th scan on the mobile CT scanner completed.
December 2023 – First scans using new mobile CT scanner completed (December 6, 2023).
November 2023 – Mobile CT pad construction completed and delivery of mobile CT scanner unit.
October 2023 – Open House at Port Hardy Primary Care Centre.
September 2023 – Welcomed a new physician to Port Hardy.
August 2023 – Construction began on the mobile CT pad at Port Hardy Hospital.
July 2023 – Ten primary care patients were seen virtually as part of a virtual care prototype initiative, and supported through the TELUS MedAccess EMR.
June 2023 – Virtual Care training was provided to local medical office assistants to support the May 2023 rollout of the TELUS MedAccess EMR in Port Hardy.
May 2023 – Rolled out the TELUS MedAccess EMR at the Port Hardy Community Health Clinic.
May 2023 – Rolled out a new transportation service between health care sites in Port Hardy, Port McNeill and Port Alice.
April 2023 – As of April 1, the Salvation Army, an Island Health contracted services provider, has officially added six sobering and assessment beds at its Centre of Hope site, and expanded services to be available 24/7.
March 2023 – CT scanner vendor selected and purchase request submitted.
March 2023 – Planning for modernization of Port Hardy Hospital (PHH) and Port McNeill Hospital (PMH) underway. Currently in the conceptual planning phase.
March 2023 – Staff accommodations inventoried for renovation/refresh, and order submitted through local vendor to modernize furnishings. Additional modern housing leased to be ready for April/May
February 2023 – Updated North Vancouver Island recruitment campaign launched.
February 2023 – New temporary incentives rolled out.
February 2023 – Added two additional long-term care beds at Eagle Ridge Manor, increasing services and residential capacity
February 2023 – Increased Protection Services Officer presence at PMH/PHH.
February 2023 – Two custom 7-seat wheelchair-enabled shuttles purchased to support transport between local sites, and to establish a connector service to Campbell River and Comox. A third wheelchair-accessible shuttle van was added in March 2023.
February 2023 – Work commenced to add six sobering and assessment beds at Salvation Army Centre of Hope, and expand services to be available 24/7.
January 27, 2023 – Ongoing – Staff hired including:
- Ten Registered Nurses/Registered Psychiatric Nurses
- Eight Licensed Practical Nurses (one hired from outside of the region)
- Two Registered Nurse Clinical Coordinators (one hired from outside the region)
- Two Clinical Nurse Educators
- One Clinical Pharmacist
- Two Pharmacy Technicians
- Four Community Health Workers
- Ten Protection Services Officers
- Eight Inter-facility Porters for dedicated shuttle service (three hired from outside the region)
- Two Social Workers (one hired from outside the region)
- Twenty-Six Patient Care Aides
- Four Mental Health Workers
- Three Medical Lab Assistants
- Four Environmental Service Workers
November 2022 – Created position for a local Retention & Recruitment Coordinator.
August 2022 – Launched staff appreciation strategy.
January 2022 – Implemented new Electronic Medical Record in a staged approach.
November 2021 – Increased staffing complement at Cormorant Island Health Centre.
November 2021 – Increased funding for additional health care provider capacity (additional rotations of 24/7 registered nurse positions at Port Hardy Hospital and Port McNeill Hospital).
Fall 2021 – Enhanced local dedicated leadership and administration (established Triad structure (local medical, operational and Indigenous Health leadership).
September 2021 and Spring 2022 – Increased staffing within long-term care locations.
Summer 2021 – Increased access through purchase and launch of Island Health's primary care clinic – Port McNeill Primary Care Centre/A’ekakila’as.
Summer 2021 – Targeted physician supports to stabilize primary care services including additional medical office staff and management.